The Effects of Guided Imagery (GI) on Allergic Subjects' Responses to Ragweed-Pollen Nasal Challenge: An Exploratory Investigation

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of guided imagery (GI) on allergic subjects' responses to ragweed-pollen nasal challenge. Complete data was obtained for fourteen subjects ranging from twenty-one to sixty-two years of age. Nasal challenges were performed before and after GI. Dependent variables consisted of two biochemical mediators obtained from nasal secretions and two subject-reported measures of symptoms, respectively: TAME (tosylarginine methyl ester)-esterase; histamine; severity of symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion); and numbers of sneezes. An experimental group (n = 7) participated in a three-week program of GI designed to promote relaxation, psychosynthesis, and modulation of immunological activity at the cellular level. A posttreatment, between-groups analysis of the experimental group and a no-contact control group (n = 7) determined that treatment significantly suppressed TAME-esterase release (p < .03). Thereafter, the control group participated in the treatment program, and a posttreatment, within-group analysis also indicated significantly suppressed TAME-esterase release (p < .05). A two-week, follow-up nasal challenge administered to the experimental group indicated maintenance of suppressed TAME-esterase release (p < .03) and reduced severity of symptoms (p < .05).

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